H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update Oprima aquí para la versión en español As the H1N1 (swine flu) illness spreads in California, state health authorities have taken several preventive steps to mitigate the impacts and slow the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in conjunction with state and local health officials, are in California providing assistance and closely monitoring the ongoing H1N1 situation. A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is not expected to be available until the fall. For more information about a vaccine, visit the CDC website. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has activated a toll-free H1N1 hotline in English and Spanish. Assistance in other languages is also available. The phone number is 1-888-865-0564. CDPH’s H1N1 hotline is available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals should take the following precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of the virus: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. If you get sick with the flu, it is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. For more information, please visit: The California Department of Health: Swine Flu (H1N1) Flu.gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) National Institutes of Health: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) World Health Organization: Influenza A(H1N1) California Department of Food and Agriculture: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Update in California California Emergency Medical Services Authority: H1N1 Influenza A Guidance     California State Senate Majority Caucus Website: http://democrats.sen.ca.gov Email: Senator Majority Caucus Legislative Office Building, Room 250 Sacramento, CA 95814 Tel: (916) 651-1502 Fax: (916) 327-4191